The Unhoneymooners

In the next scene, Olive and Ethan are having lunch in the resort dining room. Just as she is playfully asking what is on his mind and he describes how much he enjoyed watching her get dressed to go downstairs, he catches sight of Sophie and Billy. Olive feels insecure next to Sophie’s polished appearance, and her mood sours. She notices Sophie still looks longingly at Ethan. Sophie asks him for a drink to Olive’s horror and anger. Olive reflects that she can understand why Sophie, who seems so conflict avoidant, would reject Ethan’s proposal and move out rather than explain herself. She notes that she never hesitates to address any topic, no matter how challenging.

As they leave, Olive points out that Sophie seems to want Ethan back, which he takes as a triumph. Olive starts to think this means Ethan was only sleeping with her for fun but leaves to go shopping before she can start an argument. On her excursion, Olive reflects on how emotional the day has been, regretting that she cannot call Ami without risking bringing up what she has learned about Dane. She texts her cousin instead, reminded of the family drama that awaits her when she returns. On her return, she and Ethan argue because he cannot understand why she thought he was interested in Sophie or felt neglected. They go to an awkward dinner, and just as Olive is planning to spend the rest of vacation alone, Ethan apologizes. He shows her his phone to prove that he already turned down Sophie’s offer. They order wine and resume joking together. 

Dinner continues, and Olive realizes how smitten she is with Ethan now that he is cheerful and relaxed with her. They make plans to see the sunrise the next day from Maui’s highest point, Haleakala. After a passionate night in bed, they rise with the sun to pack for their excursion. Olive recalls that the last time she climbed a mountain she was bitten by a rattlesnake, another example of her bad luck. Ethan points out that she was quickly rescued as someone nearby had the necessary medication to save her life. He suggests that she overemphasizes the idea of luck. He is taken aback when Olive suggests she is also very different from Sophie. Olive tries to avoid the topic by suggesting her assessments are irrelevant if their relationship is not serious. Ethan asks her if being casual is what she wants, and Olive ponders, knowing they will not be able to avoid each other once the vacation ends.

They take a cab to the peak, climb the mountain, and curl up together to watch the sunrise. Ethan gently prods Olive for her answer to his question. Olive brings up Dane again, suggesting they have to consider his ulterior motives in turning them against each other. Ethan says they should let their initial misunderstanding go and that he has always been drawn to her. Olive admits that their “fling” doesn’t feel “flung” (269). She agrees they should stay together after they return home, and they passionately kiss just before the sun comes up. They admit they are both “crazy” about one another (270). Ethan asks a passerby to take their photo, calling Olive his girlfriend, which only intensifies her feeling of infatuation.